Tag: Dollar Bill E Pluribus Unum

It’s President’s Day so why not drag out a greenback and take a good look at what’s written and drawn on one.

Okay, we all know that a buck can’t buy much these days—except at The Dollar Tree store. Beyond that, the dollar isn’t worth much, literally. Ever since 1973, when the U.S. went off the gold standard, there has been nothing backing it. But that hasn’t stopped its usage.

There is more to the dollar, however, that its actual worth. Take the artwork you’ll find on it.

A cool story I ran across titled, 15 Things You Never Noticed on a Dollar, was enlightening, to say the least. Reading it I learned that it costs 6.4 cents to print a dollar,

Look at The Great Seal of the United States on the back of the dollar and it was designed in 1782 by Ben Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. The Latin phrase “Annuit Coeptis” means “God has favored our undertakings.”

Beneath the pyramid are the words “Novus Ordo Seclorum.” Translated they mean, “New order of the ages.”

That eye on the pyramid is called the “Eye of Providence” and while some think it’s a symbol of the Freemasons, the symbol can be traced back to ancient Egypt. Those who claim to be in the know say the eye is glowing to symbolize strength and duration. Hum, I’ve always found it kind of spooky.

The bald eagle is on the bill because those in charge way back when wanted to used a native animal to symbolize America. The arrows and olive branches signify war and peace.

And then there’s this message: “E Pluribus Unum” that means “Out of many, one.” Sure wish today’s politicians would reread that line, heed it and start seeing this as one nation and not a divided one. Wouldn’t that be nice.

Want to have some fun and track where your bill has traveled, visit http://www.wheresgeorge.com . To get its travel log you’ll have to register. I was going to but do I really need to register to another site? I think not. But if you do, let me know where your money has been. That is, if you’re still using it and not debit cards.